Germany’s Likely Next Chancellor Faces Gender Representation Backlash

Controversy Over All-Male Transition Team
A viral photo featuring six victorious conservative leaders, including Germany’s likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz, has reignited debates over gender representation in politics. The image, which showed an all-male transition team, drew widespread criticism online, with many questioning the absence of women.

Social Media Backlash and Political Criticism
The image, posted by Bavarian ally Markus Söder, was met with sarcasm and frustration, with users asking whether the women were “hidden under the table” or “in the kitchen.” The Greens’ co-leader Franziska Brantner even suggested that Syria’s government was more diverse.

Critics also pointed out that Dorothee Bär, a high-ranking CSU politician and one of the few women expected to join Merz’s cabinet, was noticeably absent from the meeting despite her strong electoral performance.

Declining Female Representation in German Politics
The issue of gender parity in German politics is not new. The recent election saw female representation in parliament drop to 32.4% from 35%. Among the political parties, the Greens lead with 61% female MPs, while the far-right AfD lags at just 12%. The CDU/CSU falls in the middle, with 23-25%.

While former Chancellor Angela Merkel prioritized increasing female presence in leadership roles, Merz has taken a different approach. He has openly rejected gender-balanced cabinet quotas, arguing that appointing women for the sake of parity does them no favors.

Merz’s Gender Problem and Electoral Struggles
Public perception of Merz’s stance on gender equality appears to be affecting his popularity, particularly among female voters. A recent Ipsos poll found that only one in six women believe he has the qualities needed to be chancellor, compared to one in five men. The gender gap was even wider among younger voters, who gravitated toward alternative parties.

Despite leading his party to victory, Merz’s CDU/CSU alliance secured just 29% of the vote—its second-worst result in post-war history. Analysts point to a “Merkel gap,” as educated, politically independent women over 45 are increasingly distancing themselves from the party.

A Challenge for the New Government
As coalition negotiations begin, political figures within the CDU urge Merz to address the gender representation issue when forming his government. Party board member Serap Güler warned against a cabinet dominated by men, emphasizing that ignoring gender diversity could further damage Merz’s appeal.

Merkel, who largely avoided commenting on Merz’s campaign, sent him a brief congratulatory text, wishing him “luck in forming his government.” Whether Merz takes gender balance into account remains to be seen.